Multi-caliber dimensional inspection device for an assembled cartridge

ABSTRACT

A dimensional inspection device for a cartridge includes a measuring body defining a first free body end with a first reference surface, and a second free end with a locking surface. The measuring body defines a cavity including a hole for receiving a cartridge and defining a hole axis, a hole end opening facing the first reference surface, and an opposite hole end bottom. The measuring body includes a threaded through hole coaxial with the hole axis between the hole bottom and the second free body end. An adjusting screw engages the threaded hole so rotation of the screw displaces the second reference surface along the hole axis. A lock washer has a threaded washer hole engaged with the screw body outside the measuring body so upon rotation, the lock washer moves. The lock washer clamps against the measuring body, locking the adjusting screw.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a dimensional inspection device of an assembled ammunition cartridge, which will be named “recharged” hereinafter for the sake of convenience.

PRIOR ART

It is known that a cartridge comprises a case having a front opening and a bullet engaged by interference in said front opening of the case, whereby closing it.

The case houses an explosive charge inside it, which, when activated, produces a sudden increase of pressure inside the case, which is high enough to push the bullet forwards, separating it from the case and imparting a very high kinetic energy to the capable of firing at very high distance.

In some fields, particularly in the recreational field, such as target shooting, dynamic shooting and hunting, it may be desired to retrieve the cases of the exploded cartridges and to “recharge” them with a new powder, primer and a new bullet, or to buy the bulk components and assemble a new cartridge with the same technique. This requirement is dictated by the convenience of possible economic saving in the assembly of recharged cartridges with respect to new cartridges, and sometimes in the possibility of customizing their performance.

However, cartridge recharging is an extremely critical operation because of the risk of harm to the user or to people near the user while shooting due to imperfect recharging.

Indeed, the bullet must be mounted, i.e. positioned and pressed at an exact predetermined position with respect to the case along the cartridge axis, as generally indicated in specific recharging tables for each caliber, so as to form a burst chamber having a predetermined chamber volume value. The exact predetermined assembly position of the bullet with respect to the case corresponds to a predetermined overall assembled cartridge length.

If the burst chamber volume is different from the predetermined chamber volume value, the behavior of the cartridge becomes uncontrollable while shooting.

For example, if the chamber volume is smaller than the predetermined chamber volume, excessive pressure may be generated inside the cartridge, which could damage the gun's barrel. If, instead, the chamber volume is higher than the predetermined chamber volume value, and consequently the overall cartridge length is greater than the predetermined cartridge length, the greater overall cartridge length would cause jamming in semi-automatic weapons.

A need is therefore felt to accurately inspect the overall length of the assembled and recharged cartridge in order to discard the imperfectly recharged cartridges. Furthermore, it is also required to be able to perform the inspection quickly and easily.

Furthermore, again in the recreational field, the same person may use different cartridges according to the discipline which they practice, which means different cartridges of several types, e.g. rifle cartridges, cartridge with spitzer bullet, hollowpoint, magnum, rimfire, centerfire, standard, and different lengths. The need is felt to make available a dimensional inspection device for recharged cartridges, which can be easily adapted to inspect the correct overall length of different cartridge types.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention is to make available a dimensional inspection device and an inspecting method for inspecting the dimensions of a recharged cartridge, or of the overall length of a recharged cartridge, which makes it possible to satisfy the aforementioned needs and to at least partially overcome the drawbacks mentioned above with reference to the prior art.

In particular, it is the object of the present invention to make available a dimensional inspection device and method which allows a quick and easy visual inspection of the overall length of the recharged cartridge, in particular which makes it possible to inspect the correct positioning of the bullet relative to the case.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a device and method for inspecting the dimensions, or the overall length of a recharged cartridge, which allows a simple and rapid reconfiguration to allow inspecting recharged cartridges of different types and lengths.

It is further object of the present invention to provide a device and method for inspecting the dimensions, or the overall length of a recharged cartridge, which is small in size and conveniently portable.

Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device and a method for inspecting the dimensions, or the overall length of a recharged cartridge, which is cost-effective to manufacture.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a device and a method for inspecting the dimensions, or the overall length of a recharged cartridge, which does not require any energy source for its operation.

These and other objects and advantages are achieved by a device for inspecting the dimensions of a recharged cartridge, or the overall length of a recharged cartridge, and by a method for inspecting the dimensions of a recharged cartridge, or the total length of a recharged cartridge, according with the independent claims.

Further objects, solutions and advantages are present in the embodiments described below and claimed in the dependent claims.

The dimensional inspection device according to the invention makes it possible to set the reference length of the cavity for housing a cartridge easily and manually according to an optimal overall cartridge length. This means that it makes possible, time by time, to adjust the characteristics of the device related to the kind of the cartridge to be verified.

In other words, in very simple and user-friendly manner, a new or recharged cartridge, which is sure to represent the predetermined overall length, may be used as sample measurement by inserting it into the cavity for housing a cartridge, screwing the adjusting screw to take the second reference surface into contact with the front end of the bullet, whereby causing an axial displacement of the cartridge to take the rear end of the case into alignment with the first reference surface. In this position, the screw is locked by rotating the lock washer to tighten it against the measuring body.

At this point, the sample cartridge is extracted and replaced with a recharged cartridge to be inspected.

If the rear end of the recharged cartridge cannot be aligned with the first reference surface because the bullet abuts against the second reference surface, the inspected recharged cartridge is faulty and must be discarded.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be illustrated below by describing some embodiments by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a sectional view of a dimensional inspection device according to the invention, by means of a longitudinal section plane lying along the hole axis;

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the device in figure along the hole axis on the side of the hole end opening;

FIG. 3 shows a sectional view by means of a longitudinal cross-section plane lying along the hole axis of an embodiment of the dimensional inspection device according to the invention;

FIG. 4 shows the device in FIG. 1 arranged with the end opening facing upwards to receive a recharged cartridge to be inspected;

FIG. 5 shows the device in FIG. 1 in the position of FIG. 4 in which a sample cartridge was inserted, and wherein the sample cartridge is indicated by a dashed line;

FIG. 6 shows the device in FIG. 5 containing the sample cartridge, wherein the second reference surface of the adjusting screw is taken in contact with the bullet of the sample cartridge;

FIG. 7 shows the device in FIG. 6 wherein the lock washer is clamped against the locking surface of the measuring body and the second reference surface continues to be in contact with the bullet;

FIG. 8 shows the device in FIG. 7, wherein the lock washer is locked so that the second reference surface is locked in a position corresponding to the overall length of the sample cartridge, which has now been removed;

FIG. 9 shows the device in FIG. 8, wherein a new cartridge the dimensions of which are to be inspected, represented by a dashed line, was inserted, showing that such cartridge remains misaligned with respect to the first reference surface, and is therefore faulty and must be discarded.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the figures, a dimensional inspection device for inspecting the dimensions of a recharged cartridge, or the overall length of a recharged cartridge, is shown by reference numeral 1 as a whole.

The dimensional inspection device 1 comprises a measuring body 10 defining a first free body end 15 and a second opposite free body end 16.

The first free body end 15 comprises a first reference surface 17, and the second free end 16 comprises a locking surface 18.

The measuring body 10 further comprises a cavity 11 for housing a cartridge, which extends into the measuring body 10 of the aforesaid reference surface 17 towards the second free end 16.

The cavity 11 for housing a cartridge comprises a hole 12 for receiving a cartridge defining a hole axis S-S, a hole end opening 13 facing towards the first reference surface, and a hole end bottom 14 opposite to the hole end opening 13.

The measuring body 10 further comprises a threaded through hole 19 extending between the hole bottom 14 and the second free body end 16. Preferably, the threaded hole 19 extends coaxially with the axis of hole S-S.

The dimensional inspection device 1 comprises an adjusting screw 30 having a threaded screw body 31 defining a screw axis V-V, and having a second reference surface 33 at a front screw end 32, said screw body 31 being threadedly engaged with said threaded hole 19 so that a rotation of the screw 30 about the screw axis V-V corresponds to a displacement, in the cavity 11 for housing a cartridge, of the second reference surface 33 with respect to the first reference surface 17 along the hole axis S-S between a predetermined minimum distance C1 and a predetermined maximum distance C2 from said first reference surface 17.

As the threaded through hole 19 extends coaxially with the hole axis S-S, and as the screw body defining the screw axis V-V is threadedly engaged into the threaded hole 19, we can conclude that the screw axis V-V is superimposed on or coincides with the hole axis S-S.

The dimensional inspection device 1 comprises a lock washer 40 having a through threaded washer hole 41, threadedly engaged with the screw body 31 outside the measuring body 10 so that, upon a rotation of the lock washer 40 about the screw axis V-V, the lock washer 40 moves with respect to the screw body 10 along the screw axis V-V, said lock washer 40 having a counter-locking surface 42 adapted to be pressed against the locking surface 18 clamping the lock washer 40 against the measuring body 10, thus locking the adjusting screw 30 with respect to the measuring body 10, with the second reference surface 33 at a predetermined distance with respect to the first reference surface 17. Such predetermined distance corresponds to the overall length of the sample cartridge or to the correct overall length of a recharged or assembled cartridge.

According to an embodiment, the first reference surface 17 is flat and orthogonal to the hole axis S-S.

According to an embodiment, the second reference surface 33 is flat and orthogonal to the hole axis S-S.

According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 and in the figures from 3 to 9, said second reference surface 33 is devoid of concavity.

According to an embodiment, said second reference surface 33 is devoid of holes at least at a central zone with respect to the hole axis S-S. According to an embodiment, for example, the second reference surface 33 is devoid of concavity at least at a central zone with respect to the hole axis S-S.

According to an embodiment, a portion of said second central reference surface 33 with respect to the hole axis S-S is transversal to the hole axis S-S, preferably orthogonal with respect to said hole axis S-S.

According to an embodiment, the second reference surface 33 is at least partially convex, preferably having maximum protrusion, or maximum height, at said hole axis S-S.

In other words, according to a preferred embodiment, the first reference surface 17 and the second reference surface 33 are flat and parallel to each other in any relative position.

Furthermore, the second reference surface 33 may be flat and orthogonal to the screw axis V-V.

The second reference surface 33 may be in one piece with the screw body 31, e.g. the second reference surface 33 forms the head surface of the screw body 31.

Alternatively, the second reference surface 33 may belong to a head element associated with the screw body 31, preferably at a front end of the screw body 31.

For example, the head element is either fixed to the screw body 31 or is made in one piece with the screw body, e.g. by mechanical machining.

Alternatively, the second reference surface 33 may belong to a movable head member with respect to the screw body 31, e.g. constrained to rotate freely with respect to the screw body about the screw axis V-V and to prevent movement along the screw axis V-V.

According to an embodiment, the locking surface 18 and the counter-locking surface 42 have mutually complementary shape. In other words, the locking surface and the counter-locking surface 42 have axial-symmetrical shape about the screw axis V-V. In this manner, the locking surface 18 and the counter-locking surface 42 are shaped to mutually rotate about the screw axis V-V.

As the lock washer 40 is threadedly constrained to the screw body 31, when it is screwed into approach against the second free end of the body 16, the counter-locking surface 42 is pressed against the locking surface 18, forming a static friction engagement between the counter-locking surface 42 and the locking surface 18, and also between the screw body 31 and the threaded hole 19, whereby locking the rotation of the screw body 31 with respect to the measuring body 10 in a desired position of the second reference surface 33 with respect to the first reference surface 17.

According to a preferred embodiment, the locking surface 18 and the counter-locking surface 42 are flat and orthogonal to the screw axis V-V.

Alternatively, for example, the locking surface 18 and the counter-locking surface 42 are conical and having equal openings, wherein one of which is convex and the other is concave. In this manner, a greater locking static friction is achieved between the lock washer 40 and the measuring body 10.

According to an embodiment, the cavity 11 for housing a cartridge comprises an annular flaring 20, which is coaxial with the hole axis S-S and which extends into the measuring body 10 starting from the first reference surface 17.

The flaring 20 has the purpose of also allowing the insertion into the cavity of a cartridge having a case, with a base rim, or bottom, having a radially protruding base, e.g. as shown in the figures.

According to an embodiment, the flaring 20 forms a side surface 21 and a bottom surface 22.

The intersection between the first reference surface and the side surface 21 of the flaring defines a flaring opening having a flaring diameter DS with a predetermined value.

According to an embodiment, the side surface 21 of the flaring is either cylindrical or conical with a diameter decreasing towards the bottom of the hole.

Further, the bottom surface 22 may be flat and orthogonal to the hole axis S-S, or conical with an axis coinciding with the hole axis S-S.

According to an embodiment, the side surface 21 of the flaring extends for a predetermined depth F, starting from the first reference surface 17, measured along the hole axis S-S, preferably comprised between 0.3 mm and 7 mm, even more preferably approximately 3.50 mm.

It has been found that a predetermined depth F of about 3.50 mm makes it possible to accommodate most cartridge having a radially protruding base rim, or bottom. Furthermore, this predetermined depth value F is greater than the thickness of the base rim, or bottom, of the cartridge for a large variety of cartridges.

According to an embodiment, the predetermined flaring depth F is comprised between 0.3 mm and 7 mm, and the predetermined value of the flaring diameter DS is preferably comprised between 5 mm and 35 mm.

The depth F is chosen to be greater than the thickness of the base rim, or bottom, of the case in the direction of the cartridge's axis, so as to prevent said base rim, or bottom, from abutting against the bottom surface 22 of the flaring. Indeed, the cartridge must be able to slide inside the hole for receiving a cartridge to align the rear cartridge end with the first reference surface.

According to an embodiment, the predetermined value of the flaring diameter DS is preferably comprised between 5 mm and 35 mm.

According to an embodiment, the hole end opening 13 is circular, having a predetermined opening diameter value DA.

According to an embodiment, the predetermined value of the opening diameter DA is preferably comprised between 5 mm and 35 mm.

The hole 12 for receiving a cartridge may define a cylindrical shape side hole surface 23, having diameter equal to the predetermined opening diameter DA.

Alternatively, the hole 12 for receiving a cartridge may define a conical shape side hole surface 23 having a decreasing diameter along the hole axis S-S from the hole end opening 13 towards said hole bottom 14. In other words, the value of the diameter of the hole 12 for receiving a cartridge decreases by a predetermined opening diameter value DA at the hole end opening 13, to a predetermined bottom diameter value DF at the hole bottom 14.

The predetermined bottom diameter value DF is either smaller than or equal to the predetermined opening diameter value DA.

According to an embodiment, the conical shape side hole surface 23 has taper ratio preferably comprised between approximately 0.1° and 6°.

According to an embodiment, the predetermined flaring diameter value DS is either substantially equal to, or equal to, the predetermined opening diameter value DA. In such case, the hole side wall 23 extends for the entire length of the hole 12 for receiving a cartridge between the first reference surface 17 and the hole bottom 14, taken along the hole axis S-S. In other words, according to this embodiment, the flaring is not present.

According to an embodiment, the dimensional inspection device comprises an adjusting knob 50 fixed to a rear screw end 37, opposite to the front screw end 32, preferably to a rear end of the screw body 31, to facilitate the rotation of the adjusting screw 30 with respect to the measuring body 10.

According to an embodiment, the adjusting knob has means for fixing to the screw body 31.

According to an embodiment, such fixing means comprise a threaded coupling, e.g. shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, or a forced coupling, or a coupling by welding or gluing.

According to an embodiment, the adjusting knob is made in one piece with the screw body 31, e.g. by mechanical machining.

According to an embodiment, the front screw end 32 comprises an enlarged head 34 comprising said second reference surface 33, said enlarged head 34 having a head diameter DT greater than the threaded screw diameter DV and smaller than the diameter of the hole 12 for receiving a cartridge.

The head diameter value DT is smaller than the hole end opening diameter DA, and, according to an embodiment, the head diameter value DT is smaller than the bottom diameter value DF.

According to an embodiment, the difference between the bottom diameter value DF and the head diameter value DT is preferably comprised between 0.01 mm and 5 mm. According to a preferred example, such difference is about 0.5 mm.

According to an embodiment, the depth H between the first reference surface 17 and the hole end bottom 14 measured along the hole axis S-S has a predetermined value comprised between 20 and 220 mm.

According to an embodiment, the threading depth of the threaded hole 19 between the hole bottom 14 and the second free end of body 16, or the locking surface 18, measured along the hole axis S-S is comprised between 5 mm and 35 mm, even more preferably is about 10 mm.

According to an embodiment, the predetermined minimum distance C1 is greater than 15 mm and the predetermined maximum distance C2 is smaller than 170 mm, and preferably the predetermined opening diameter value DA is comprised between 5 mm and 35 mm.

According to an embodiment, the hole bottom 14 has a predetermined bottom diameter value DF either smaller than or equal to the predetermined opening diameter value DA.

According to an embodiment, the minimum predetermined distance C1 is smaller than 120 mm, even more preferably the predetermined minimum distance (C1) is smaller than 93 mm, e.g. is comprised between 0 mm and 93 mm.

According to an embodiment, the predetermined maximum distance C2 is greater than 15 mm, even more preferably greater than 35 mm.

In all cases, the predetermined minimum distance C1 is always smaller than the predetermined maximum distance C2.

According to an embodiment, the predetermined minimum distance C1 is smaller than 93 mm, the predetermined maximum distance C2 is greater than 35 mm, the predetermined minimum distance C1 being always smaller than the predetermined maximum distance C2.

According to an embodiment, the predetermined minimum distance C1 is smaller than 120 mm, even more preferably the predetermined minimum distance C1 is smaller than 93 mm, and wherein the predetermined maximum distance C2 is preferably greater than 15 mm, even more preferably greater than 35 mm, the predetermined minimum distance C1 being always smaller than the predetermined maximum distance C2.

Some examples of preferred dimensions of the dimensional inspection device 1 are shown below.

According to an embodiment, the predetermined minimum distance C1 is about 15.61 mm, the predetermined maximum distance C2 is about 48 mm, and the predetermined opening diameter value DA is about 8 mm.

These dimensions allow the advantage of being able to use a dimensional inspection device made in this manner for at least 10 different types of cartridges, e.g. the following: 17 Libra, 25 ACP, 297/230 Morris 1 g, 5,45×18, 5.75 mm Velodog, 22 Hornet, 22 Picra, 5.6×35 R, 297/230 Morris sh, 297/250 Rook Rifle.

According to an embodiment, the predetermined minimum distance C1 is about 18 mm, the predetermined maximum distance C2 is about 51.82 mm, and the predetermined opening diameter value DA is about 8.5 mm.

These dimensions allow the advantage of being able to use a dimensional inspection device made in this manner for at least 8 different types of cartridges, e.g. the following: 5.7×28, 6.35 mm Browning, 300 Sherwood, 300/295 Rook Rifle, 32 Long Colt, 32 Short Colt, 320 Long, 320 short.

According to an embodiment, the predetermined minimum distance C1 is about 18.62 mm, the predetermined maximum distance C2 is about 36 mm, and the predetermined opening diameter value DA is about 9 mm.

These dimensions allow the advantage of being able to use a dimensional inspection device made in this manner for at least 9 different types of cartridges, e.g. the following: 7.65 mm long, 8 mm Steyr, 32 ACP, 7.65 mm Browning, 32 H & R Magnum, 32 S & W, 32 S & W Long (C.N.P.), 32 S.& W. Long Wad Cut., 8 mm Gasser.

According to an embodiment, the predetermined minimum distance C1 is about 24.6 mm, the predetermined maximum distance C2 is about 90 mm, and the predetermined opening diameter value DA is about 9.25 mm.

These dimensions allow the advantage of being able to use a dimensional inspection device made in this manner for at least 12 different types of cartridges, e.g. the following: 218 Bee, 25-20 Win., 30 Carbine, 30 Court, 32 Win. S. L., 32-20 Win., 7.62 Nagant, 310 Cadet Rifle, 7.5 Ord. Swisse, 6×70 R, 6.5×70 R, 8 mm Lebel.

According to an embodiment, the predetermined minimum distance C1 is about 16.25 mm, the predetermined maximum distance C2 is about 73.50 mm, and the predetermined opening diameter value DA is about 10 mm.

These dimensions allow the advantage of being able to use a dimensional inspection device made in this manner for at least 44 different types of cartridges, e.g. the following: 17 Rem., 221 Remington Fireball, 222 Rem., 222 Rem. Mag., 222 Remington SSP, 223 Rem., 30-223, 300 Whisper SSP, 380 ACP (9×17 mm Browning Short, 0.380 Auto, 9 mm Corto, 9 mm Kurz) 5.6×50 Magnum, 6×47 ATZL, 6×51 ATZL, 6.5 TCU SSP, 7 mm T/CU, 7×49 GJW, 9×23 mm Largo, 9 mm Browning Court, 9 mm Steyr, 35 Win S. L., 38 Spec. A.M.U., 38 Super Auto, 9 mm Browning Long, 351 Win. S. L., 380 Long, 380 Short, 22 Rem Jet Magnum, 256 Win. Mag., 30 Picra, 30-357 AeT, 357 Magnum, 357 Maximum, 357 Rem Magnum, 38 Long Colt, 38 Short Colt, 38 Special, 38 Spl Wad Cut, 38/357 fx, 380 Long Rifle, 5.6×50 R Mag., 6×50 R Scheiring, 6.5×50 mm R, 6.5×27 R, 7×50 R, 8×56 RM 30.

According to an embodiment, the predetermined minimum distance C1 is about 15.10 mm, the predetermined maximum distance C2 is about 58 mm, and the predetermined opening diameter value DA is about 10.25 mm.

These dimensions allow the advantage of being able to use a dimensional inspection device made in this manner for at least 14 different types of cartridges, e.g. the following: 7.62×25; 9×18 mm, 9 mm Makarov, 215, 5.45×39, 7×33 Sako, 7.62×25 Tokarev, 7.63 mm Mauser, 7.65 mm Parabellum, 9×9 mm Parabellum (9 mm Luger), 9×21 mm IMI, 9 mm Far, 9 mm FX & CQT, 38 S&W et Colt N.P.

According to an embodiment, the predetermined minimum distance C1 is about 18.83 mm, the predetermined maximum distance C2 is about 98 mm, and the predetermined opening diameter value DA is about 11 mm.

These dimensions allow the advantage of being able to use a dimensional inspection device made in this manner for at least 27 different types of cartridges, e.g. the following: 25 Rem., 30 Rem., 32 Rem., 357 SIG, 40 S&W, 9×22 MJR, 41 Long Colt, 225 Win., 8.15×46 R, 8.15×52 R, 5.6×52 R, 6×52 R Bretschneider, 6.5×52 mm R, 6.5×52 R, 219 Zipper, 22 Savage, 30 Herrett SSP, 30-30 Win., 32 Win. Spec., 32-40 Win., 357 Herrett, 375 Win., 38-55 Win., 7-30 Waters, 25-35 Win., 7×72 R, 8×72 R.

According to an embodiment, the predetermined minimum distance C1 is about 29.25 mm, the predetermined maximum distance C2 is about 86 mm, and the predetermined opening diameter value DA is about 11.50 mm.

These dimensions allow the advantage of being able to use a dimensional inspection device made in this manner for at least 24 different types of cartridges, e.g. the following: 41 Action Express, 10 mm Auto, 10 mm Far, 9×25 Super Auto G, 22 PPC-USA, 224 Weatherby Magnum, 260 Picra, 5.6×39, 6 mm PPC, 6 mm PPC USA, 7.62×39 mm M43, 7.62×45, 401 Win. S. L., 220 Swift, 360 N. E. (2 ¼″), 9.3×72 R, 41 Remington Magnum, 44 Super Mag, 6.5×58 mm R, 6.5×58 R, 8×57 R, 360 8×58 R, 303 Savage, 408 Win.

According to an embodiment, the predetermined minimum distance C1 is about 18.60 mm, the predetermined maximum distance C2 is about 84 mm, and the predetermined opening diameter value DA is about 12 mm.

These dimensions allow the advantage of being able to use a dimensional inspection device made in this manner for at least 29 different types of cartridges, e.g. the following: 35 Rem., 375 Fl. N. E. 2 ½″, 44 Colt, 6.5×54 mm Mannlicher-Schonauer, 6.5×52 Carcano, 7.35×52 Carcano, 8×56 M.Sch., 9×63 M. u. Gr., 6.5×51 mm R, 6.5×51 R Arisaka, 6.5×64, 7×64, 9×56 Mannl. Sch., 11 mm×73, 240 Fl. N.E., 10.4 mm Italian ordinance, 44 Remington Magnum, 44 S & W Russ., 44 S & W Special, 44-357 BainDavis, 7 Mag. Fl. H&H, 7 mm Mag. Fl. H.&H., 303 British, 35 Win., 405 Win., 6.5×53 R Mannl., 30 Fl. N.E. Purdey, 30-40 Krag, 303 Sporting.

According to an embodiment, the predetermined minimum distance C1 is about 20.31 mm, the predetermined maximum distance C2 is about 97.00 mm, and the predetermined opening diameter value DA is about 12.50 mm.

These dimensions allow the advantage of being able to use a dimensional inspection device made in this manner for at least 114 different types of cartridges, e.g. the following: 6.5×54 Mauser, 6.5×58 Mauser, 22-250 Ackley, 22-250 Remington, 240 Belt. Riml. N. E., 240 Weath. Mag., 243 Win., 244 Rem., 25-06 (0.25 Niedn.), 25-06 Rem., 250 Savage, 256 Mag. Gibbs., 257 Roberts, 257 Roberts Improved, 260 Rem., 264 Leroy N.E., 270 Win., 275 H. V. Rigby, 280 Rem., 30-06 (7.62×63), 30-06 Court Cartry, 30-06 Spring., 300 Savage, 308 E. H, 308 Winch. (7.62×51), 318 Riml. N. E., 338-06, 35 Whelen, 357 Auto Mag., 358 Win., 38-45 ACP, 400 Corbon, 44 Auto Magnum, 45 Auto, 45 HP, 45 Winchester Magnum, 5.6×57, 5.6×61 SE.v.H., 6 mm BR Norma, 6 mm BR Remington, 6 mm International, 6 mm Rem. (244 Rem.), 6×47 SM, 6×62 Freres, 6.5×55 mm Krag, 6.5×55 Swedish, 6.5×55 Schw. Mauser, 6.5×55 SE, 6.5×57, 6.5×64 Brenneke, 6.5×65 RWS, 7×57 mm Mauser, 7 mm Mauser'Spanish Mauser'0.275 Rigby, 7 mm-08 Rem., 7 mm Bench Rest (BR), 7 mm BR Rem., 7 mm Exp. Rem./280 Rem, 7 mm IHMSA SSP, 7×57, 7.5×54 MAS, 7.65×53 mm Argentine, 7.65×53 Arg., 7.7×58 mm Arisaka, 7.7 Jap., 7.92×33 Kurz, 8×57 mm IS, 8 mm Mauser, 8 mm-06, 8×51 Mauser K, 8×57 J: 8×57 JS, 8×60, 8×60 S, 8×64, 8×64 S, 8×75 S, 8.5×63, 9×57, 9.3×57, 9.3×62, 9.3×66 Sako, 9.5×57 Mannl. Sch., 307 Win., 356 Win, 38-40 Win., 400 N. E. B. P. 3″ Purdey, 44-40 Win., 444 Marlin, 45 Auto Rim, 45 Colt, 45 S&W Schofield, 450 Short, 454 Casull, 5.6×57 R, 6.5×57 mm R, 6.5×57 R, 7×65 R, 7×75 R SE v.H., 8×57 JR, 8×57 JRS, 8×65 R, 8×65 RS, 8×75 RS, 8.5×63 R, 9.3×74 R, 30 R Blaser, 350 Nr. 2 Rigby, 400/350 N. E., 455 MKII, 5.6×61 R SE v. H., 6×62 R Freres, 6.5×65 R RWS, 6.5×72 R, 7×57 R, 8×60 R, 8×60 RS, 9×57 R.

According to an embodiment, the predetermined minimum distance C1 is about 27.03 mm, the predetermined maximum distance C2 is about 84.50 mm, and the predetermined opening diameter value DA is about 13 mm.

These dimensions allow the advantage of being able to use a dimensional inspection device made in this manner for at least 21 different types of cartridges, e.g. the following: 284 Win., 30-284 Win., 6.5×284 Norma, 10.75×68, 6.5×63 Messner Mag., 7.5×55 mm Schmidt Rubin, 7.5×55 GP 31, 7.5×55 Suisse, 9.3×53 Schweiz, 9.3×63, 9.3×65 R, 9.33×65R, 8×50 R, 8×56 RM 30 S, 8.4 M95 S, 7.62×53 R, 7.62×54 R, 8.2×53 R, 9×53 R, 9.3×53 R Finnish, 45-70 Govt.

According to an embodiment, the predetermined minimum distance C1 is about 40.58 mm, the predetermined maximum distance C2 is about 96.52 mm, and the predetermined opening diameter value DA is about 13.50 mm.

These dimensions allow the advantage of being able to use a dimensional inspection device made in this manner for at least 16 different types of cartridges, e.g. the following: 11.2×60 mm Schuler (Mauser), 376 Steyr, 9.3×64 Brenneke, 277 GS, 350 Mag. Rigby, 6.5×68, 8×68 S, 404 Jeffrey, 7×61 Super Norma, 30 Super Fl. H & H, 375 Fl. Mag. N. E., 11.15×60 R, 6.5×68 R, 33 Win., 40-82 Win., 45-70 Elko Mag.

According to an embodiment, the predetermined minimum distance C1 is about 26.46 mm, the predetermined maximum distance C2 is about 100.33 mm, and the predetermined opening diameter value DA is about 14.00 mm.

These dimensions allow the advantage of being able to use a dimensional inspection device made in this manner for at least 45 different types of cartridges, e.g. the following: 11.2×72 mm Schuler, 50 AE, 7 mm SE v. H., 7×66 SE v. Hofe, 7 mm Se VH, 9.5×66 SE v. H., 244 H & H Mag., 257 Weath. Mag., 264 Win Magnum, 270 Weatherby Magnum, 275 Belt. N. E., 30 Super Belt Riml. H.& H, 30-338, 300 H & H Mag., 300 HM Magnum, 300 Weatherby Magnum, 300 Winchester Magnum, 308 Norma Mag., 333 Riml. N. E., 338 Winchester Magnum, 340 Weatherby Magnum, 350 Remington Magnum, 357 H&H Magnum, 358 Norma Mag., 375 H & H Mag., 375 Weath. Mag., 404 Riml. N. E., 416 Remington Magnum, 458 Lott, 458 Winchester Magnum, 6.5 mm Remington Magnum, 7×61 mm Super, 7 mm Remington Magnum, 7 mm STW, 7 mm Weatherby Magnum, 7×61 Super, 8 mm Remington Magnum, 280 Riml. N. E. Ross, 10.3×60 R, 280 Fl, N. E., 369 N. E. Purdey, 450 N. E. 3 ¼″, 450/400 Mag. 3″¼″, 8×56 RM Port. Krop., 8 mm Lebel (M/93).

According to an embodiment, the predetermined minimum distance C1 is about 52.78 mm, the predetermined maximum distance C2 is about 109.98 mm, and the predetermined opening diameter value DA is about 14.50 mm.

These dimensions allow the advantage of being able to use a dimensional inspection device made in this manner for at least 14 different types of cartridges, e.g. the following: 270 Win., Short Mag., 300 Rem. Ultra Magnum, 300 Remington Short Action Ultra Magnum, 300 Win. Short Mag., 338 Rem. Ultra Magnum, 338 Win. short Magnum, 375 Rem. Ultra Magnum, 7 mm Remington Ultra Magnum, 7 mm Win. Short Mag., 7 mm WSM 348 Win., 8 mm, 348 Win., 450/400 N. E. 3″, 450 No. 2 N.E. 3″½ Eley.

According to an embodiment, the predetermined minimum distance C1 is about 80.20 mm, the predetermined maximum distance C2 is about 109.98 mm, and the predetermined opening diameter value DA is about 15.00 mm.

These dimensions allow the advantage of being able to use a dimensional inspection device made in this manner for at least 8 different types of cartridges, e.g. the following: 7.21 Firebird, 7.82 Warbird, 470 N. E., 500 N. E. 3″, 500/416 N.E. 3″¼, 500/465 N. E., 475 N° 2 N.E. 3″½ Jeffery, 475 Nr. 2 N. E. 3″½.

According to an embodiment, the predetermined minimum distance C1 is about 65.00 mm, the predetermined maximum distance C2 is about 95.25 mm, and the predetermined opening diameter value DA is about 15.50 mm.

These dimensions allow the advantage of being able to use a dimensional inspection device made in this manner for at least 11 different types of cartridges, e.g. the following: 30-378 Weatherby Magnum, 338-378 Weath. Magnum, 378 Weatherby Magnum, 460 Weath. Mag., 300 Lapua Mag., 338 Lapua Magnum, 416 Rigby, 416 Weath. Magnum, 450 Rigby, 7 mm KM, 7.62 UKM.

According to an embodiment, the predetermined minimum distance C1 is about 72.00 mm, the predetermined maximum distance C2 is about 88.09 mm, and the predetermined opening diameter value DA is about 16.00 mm.

These dimensions allow the advantage of being able to use a dimensional inspection device made in this manner for at least 2 different types of cartridges, e.g. the following: 12.7×70 (500 Schuler), 500 Jeffery.

According to an embodiment, the predetermined minimum distance C1 is about 50.74 mm, the predetermined maximum distance C2 is about 97.79 mm, and the predetermined opening diameter value DA is about 17.00 mm.

These dimensions allow the advantage of being able to use a dimensional inspection device made in this manner for at least 3 different types of cartridges, e.g. the following: 505 Mag. Gibbs, 577 N. E. 3″, 577 Sld. Snider.

According to an embodiment, the predetermined minimum distance C1 is about 65.28 mm, the predetermined maximum distance C2 is about 93.98 mm, and the predetermined opening diameter value DA is about 18.00 mm.

These dimensions allow the advantage of being able to use a dimensional inspection device made in this manner for at least 2 different types of cartridges, e.g. the following: 577/450 Sld. Mart. H, 600 N. E.

The set of the features of the aforesaid example makes it possible to observe that, with some dimensional variants, stated above, of the dimensional inspection device, it is possible to easily inspect a large variety of different cartridges by type and overall cartridge's length.

According to another aspect of the present invention, said objects and advantages are achieved by a dimensional inspection method of the dimensions of a recharged cartridge 100, e.g. as shown in figures from 4 to 9.

The method comprises the steps of envisaging a dimensional inspection device 1 as described above.

Furthermore, the method comprises a step of defining a correct measurement position of said second reference surface 33 with respect to the first reference surface 17 corresponding to a predetermined distance L between said first reference surface 17 and said second reference surface 33.

The method further comprises a step of rotating the adjusting screw 30 with respect to the measuring body to take the second reference surface 33 into said correct measurement position.

The method further comprising a step of locking the adjusting screw 30 with respect to the measuring body to take the second reference surface 33 in said correct measurement position.

The step of locking is performed by screwing the lock washer 40 to clamp the counter-locking surface 42 of the lock washer 40 against the locking surface 18 of the measuring body 10.

The method further includes a step of providing a recharged cartridge 100 to be inspected having a front recharged cartridge end 101 and a rear recharged cartridge end 102.

The predetermined distance L corresponds to the overall length of a cartridge of optimal size, or properly recharged, or a sample cartridge.

The method further includes a step of inserting the recharged cartridge 100 into the hole 12 for receiving a cartridge to take the front recharged cartridge end 101 into contact with the second reference surface 33, in an inserted cartridge position.

The method further comprises a step of inspecting, preferably visually, the alignment of the rear recharged cartridge end 102 with respect to said first reference surface 17 in the aforesaid inserted cartridge position.

Alignment between the rear end of the recharged cartridge 102 with the first reference surface 17 means that the rear end of the recharged cartridge 102 and the first reference surface 17 lay on a same common alignment plane 200, preferably orthogonal to the hole axis S-S. Alignment plane 200 means a fictitious plane or a support plane.

According to an embodiment, in absence of alignment of the rear end of recharged cartridge 102 with respect to said first reference surface 17, the method comprises a step of discarding the recharged cartridge 100.

According to an embodiment, the step of defining a correct measurement position of said second reference surface 33 with respect to the first reference surface 17 comprises a step of providing a sample cartridge 110 having a front sample cartridge end 111 and a rear sample cartridge end 112 and defining an overall sample cartridge length LP therebetween equal to the predetermined distance L; and a step of inserting the sample cartridge 110 into the hole 12 for receiving a cartridge directing the sample cartridge 110 with the front sample cartridge end 111 towards said second reference surface 33, to take the front sample cartridge end 111 in contact with said second reference surface 33.

With the sample cartridge inserted 110, the step of rotating the adjusting screw 30 with respect to the measuring body 10 is carried out so as to translate the sample cartridge 110 in said hole for receiving a cartridge to take the rear sample cartridge end 112 in alignment with said first reference surface 17, while keeping the front sample cartridge end 111 in contact with, or pushed against the second reference surface 33.

Alignment between the rear end of the sample cartridge 112 with the first reference surface 17 means that the rear end of the sample cartridge 112 and the first reference surface 17 lay on a same common alignment plane 200, preferably orthogonal to the hole axis S-S. Alignment plane 200 means a fictitious plane or a support plane.

According to an embodiment, the step of aligning the rear end of sample cartridge 112 with said first reference surface 17 can be performed by tipping the dimensional inspection device 1 containing the sample cartridge so as to rest the first reference surface 17 and the rear end of sample cartridge 112 on the same supporting plane corresponding to said alignment plane 200.

One of the advantages of the present invention is that of providing a dimensional inspection device 1 for inspecting the size of a recharged, or assembled, cartridge 100, in particular the overall length of a recharged cartridge 100, regardless of the specific caliber of the cartridge, because the second reference surface 33 of the device abuts exclusively against the front end of the bullet, avoiding contact with remaining parts of the bullet.

The only constraint is that the larger diameter part of the recharged cartridge can enter into the cavity for housing a cartridge. Such larger diameter part belongs to the case and not to the bullet, which has a smaller diameter than that of the case.

At the same maximum diameter of the case, there are different types of cartridge, and therefore having different calibers, that is, with different bullet geometries.

Advantageously, the device according to the invention makes it possible to measure the overall length of the recharged cartridge irrespective of the caliber value, within a range of calibers dimensionally compatible with the geometry of the case which can be housed in the cavity 11 for housing a cartridge.

A person skilled in art may make changes and adaptations to the embodiments to the device described above or can replace elements with others which are functionally equivalent to satisfy contingent needs without departing from the scope of protection of the appended claims. All the features described above as belonging to one possible embodiment may be implemented independently from the other described embodiments.

The means and materials for making the various described functions may be of various nature without departing from the scope of the invention.

The figures are not in scale; on the contrary, relevance is generally provided to illustrating the principles of the present invention.

All the features described here, including any claim, abstract or drawing, and/or in any step of the method described herein may be combined in any combination, except for the combinations in which at least some of such features and/or phases mutually exclude one another. 

1. A dimensional inspection device for inspecting dimensions of a recharged or assembled cartridge, comprising: a measuring body defining a first free body end and a second opposite free body end, the first free body end comprising a first reference surface, and the second free end comprising a locking surface; the measuring body comprising a cavity for housing a cartridge which extends into the measuring body from said first reference surface towards said second free end, said cavity for housing a cartridge comprising a hole for receiving a cartridge defining a hole axis, a hole end opening facing said first reference surface, and a hole end bottom opposing the hole end opening, said measuring body further comprising a threaded through hole extending between the hole bottom and the second free body end; an adjusting screw having a threaded screw body defining a screw axis, and having a second reference surface at a front screw end, said screw body being threadedly engaged with said threaded hole so that rotation of the screw about the screw axis corresponds to displacement, in the cavity for housing a cartridge, of the second reference surface with respect to the first reference surface along the hole axis between a predetermined minimum distance and a predetermined maximum distance from said first reference surface; a lock washer having a through threaded washer hole, threadedly engaged with the screw body outside the measuring body so that, upon a rotation of the lock washer about the screw axis, the lock washer moves with respect to the screw body along the screw axis, said lock washer having a counter-locking surface adapted to be pressed against the locking surface clamping the lock washer against the measuring body, removably locking the adjusting screw with respect to the measuring body.
 2. The dimensional inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the first reference surface is flat and orthogonal to the hole axis.
 3. The dimensional inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the second reference surface is flat and orthogonal to the hole axis.
 4. A dimensional inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the hole for receiving a cartridge defines a side hole surface cylindrical in shape, or wherein the hole for receiving a cartridge defines a side hole surface conical in shape having a decreasing diameter along the hole axis from said hole end opening towards said hole bottom.
 5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the front screw end comprises an enlarged head comprising said second reference surface, said enlarged head having a head diameter greater than a diameter of the threaded screw and smaller than a the diameter of the hole for receiving a cartridge.
 6. The dimensional inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the cavity for housing a cartridge comprises an annular flaring coaxial with the hole axis and extending into the measuring body along the hole axis from the first reference surface to a predetermined depth, forming a flaring side surface and a flaring bottom surface, and wherein an intersection between the first reference surface and the flaring side surface defines a flaring opening having a flaring diameter with a predetermined value.
 7. The dimensional inspection device according to claim 1, wherein: the predetermined minimum distance is greater than 15 mm and the predetermined maximum distance is less than 170 mm; a predetermined opening diameter value of the opening diameter at the hole end opening is between 5 mm and 35 mm.
 8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined minimum distance is less than 120 mm, the predetermined minimum distance being always less than the predetermined maximum distance.
 9. The device according to claim 6, wherein: the predetermined flaring depth is between 0.3 mm and 7 mm; and the predetermined value of the flaring diameter is between 5 mm and 35 mm.
 10. A method for dimensionally inspecting dimensions of a recharged or assembled cartridge, comprising the following steps: providing a dimensional inspection device according to claim 1; defining a correct measurement position of said second reference surface with respect to the first reference surface corresponding to a predetermined distance between said first reference surface and said second reference surface; rotating the adjusting screw with respect to the measuring body to place the second reference surface in said correct measurement position; locking the adjusting screw with respect to the measuring body keeping said second reference surface in said correct measurement position, by screwing the lock washer to clamp the counter-locking surface of the lock washer against the locking surface of the measuring body; providing a recharged cartridge to be inspected having a front recharged cartridge end and a rear recharged cartridge end; inserting said recharged cartridge into said hole for receiving a cartridge to take the front recharged cartridge end in contact with the second reference surface, in an inserted cartridge position; inspecting alignment of the rear recharged cartridge end with respect to said first reference surface in said inserted cartridge position.
 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the step of defining a correct measurement position of said second reference surface with respect to the first reference surface comprises the steps of: providing a sample cartridge having a front sample cartridge end and a rear sample cartridge end and defining a predetermined overall sample cartridge length therebetween equal to the predetermined distance; inserting the sample cartridge into the hole for receiving a cartridge directing the sample cartridge with the front sample cartridge end towards said second reference surface, to place the front sample cartridge end in contact with said second reference surface, wherein said step of rotating the adjusting screw with respect to the measuring body is carried out so as to translate the sample cartridge in said hole for receiving a cartridge to take the rear sample cartridge end in alignment with said first reference surface, while keeping the front sample cartridge end in contact with the second reference surface. 